A real estate agent is your liaison in the home market. Not only will they be able to smooth the buying process, from negotiating with sellers to taking the house to closing, they can help you determine what kind of home would best fit your lifestyle (condo, townhouse, rural single family, investment property, etc.).

But as in every profession -- not every real estate agent is equal. Some have different niches that they are better at, for instance some specialize in the second/vacation home market.

You want an agent that can help you find the best property for you.

Your first step is to do your research. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they have anyone they would recommend. Also ask if they've heard any horror stories about local agents.

You can check yellow pages and the Internet to find your agent as well. A simple Google search will turn up multiple results in your zip code or the area you are looking to move to. Checking the Market Conditions Reports on Realty Times for your area is another option.

After you have a few potential candidates, call them and set up interviews. Remember that you are free to hire whichever agent you choose. Don't let high pressure sale or scare tactics force you into an immediate decision. Feel free to even let them know that you have other candidates you are meeting with to consider.

During the interview, consider these items:

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• How much experience does this agent have in the field? Years of experience could mean they have years of success in the business. But as real estate expert Blanche Evans writes, "Experience plays an important role, but the enthusiasm of a newer real estate professional can't be discounted. The important thing is get the kind of service and support that's right for you."

   

• What degrees and certifications do they hold? Are they a Realtor? A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and according to their "Guide To Buying A Home," coming out this summer, "These professionals agree to abide by a higher standard of practice known as the REALTOR Code of Ethics."

   

• Ask them what the market conditions are like in your area. If they can't give you an immediate, factual response, this could be a tell tale sign of problems to come down the road.

   

• What percentage commission do they expect? Is this negotiable?

   

• Are they strictly a buyers agents -- or could they possibly be working with the sellers, too? While this is perfectly legal, it must be disclosed -- and because of human tendency -- biases could exist. Do you want someone in your corner or the sellers?

   

• What is the agent's plan for finding you a house? (a.k.a. How will they earn their commission?)

   

• How can you contact your agent and during what hours? What if you find a house online that you really love -- but its a Saturday afternoon? Will you be able to call your agent then? Will phone calls and emails go unanswered until Monday at noon? This would be a great time ask if the agent is full or part time. Part time may mean they are more difficult to schedule with or get in contact with.

It is important for you to not only feel confident in the agent's abilities, but to feel they are easy to talk to and get along with. If you can't negotiate or talk to them during an interview, you won't be able to later when you need to express concerns.

In the end, hiring an agent instead of going it alone can save you money and time. Agents are probably more skilled at negotiating and completing the necessary paperwork that go along with this transaction, and they also have a wealth of knowledge about the market at their fingertips